1
|
Lepore Signorile M, Fasano C, Forte G, De Marco K, Sanese P, Disciglio V, Di Nicola E, Pantaleo A, Simone C, Grossi V. Uncoupling p38α nuclear and cytoplasmic functions and identification of two p38α phosphorylation sites on β-catenin: implications for the Wnt signaling pathway in CRC models. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:223. [PMID: 38041178 PMCID: PMC10693086 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01175-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of the Wnt pathway has been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous reports suggest that Wnt3a can activate p38. Besides, p38α feeds into the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway by inhibiting GSK3β through phosphorylation. Recently, we identified p38α as a new druggable member of β-catenin chromatin-associated kinase complexes in CRC. METHODS The functional relationship between p38α and β-catenin was characterized in CRC cells, patient-derived CRC stem cells, patient-derived tumor intestinal organoids, and in vivo models (C57BL/6-APCMin/+ mice). The role of p38α in β-catenin transcriptional activity was assessed by pharmacological inhibition with ralimetinib. RESULTS We used the GSK3β inhibitor TWS-119, which promotes the activation of Wnt signaling, to uncouple p38α nuclear/cytoplasmatic functions in the Wnt pathway. Upon GSK3β inhibition, nuclear p38α phosphorylates β-catenin at residues S111 and T112, allowing its binding to promoter regions of Wnt target genes and the activation of a transcriptional program implicated in cancer progression. If p38α is pharmacologically inhibited in addition to GSK3β, β-catenin is prevented from promoting target gene transcription, which is expected to impair carcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS p38α seems to play a dual role as a member of the β-catenin destruction complex and as a β-catenin chromatin-associated kinase in CRC. This finding may help elucidate mechanisms contributing to human colon tumor pathogenesis and devise new strategies for personalized CRC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lepore Signorile
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Candida Fasano
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Forte
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Katia De Marco
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sanese
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Vittoria Disciglio
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Di Nicola
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonino Pantaleo
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy
| | - Cristiano Simone
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy.
- Medical Genetics, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonic Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Valentina Grossi
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), 70013, Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guo JN, Chen D, Deng SH, Huang JR, Song JX, Li XY, Cui BB, Liu YL. Identification and quantification of immune infiltration landscape on therapy and prognosis in left- and right-sided colon cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1313-1330. [PMID: 34657172 PMCID: PMC9122887 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03076-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background The left-sided and right-sided colon cancer (LCCs and RCCs, respectively) have unique molecular features and clinical heterogeneity. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of immune cell infiltration (ICI) subtypes for evaluating prognosis and therapeutic benefits. Methods The independent gene datasets, corresponding somatic mutation and clinical information were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus. The ICI contents were evaluated by “ESTIMATE” and “CIBERSORT.” We performed two computational algorithms to identify the ICI landscape related to prognosis and found the unique infiltration characteristics. Next, principal component analysis was conducted to construct ICI score based on three ICI patterns. We analyzed the correlation between ICI score and tumor mutation burden (TMB), and stratified patients into prognostic-related high- and low- ICI score groups (HSG and LSG, respectively). The role of ICI scores in the prediction of therapeutic benefits was investigated by "pRRophetic" and verified by Immunophenoscores (IPS) (TCIA database) and an independent immunotherapy cohort (IMvigor210). The key genes were preliminary screened by weighted gene co-expression network analysis based on ICI scores. And they were further identified at various levels, including single cell, protein and immunotherapy response. The predictive ability of ICI score for prognosis was also verified in IMvigor210 cohort. Results The ICI features with a better prognosis were marked by high plasma cells, dendritic cells and mast cells, low memory CD4+ T cells, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, as well as M2 macrophages. A high ICI score was characterized by an increased TMB and genomic instability related signaling pathways. The prognosis, sensitivities of targeted inhibitors and immunotherapy, IPS and expression of immune checkpoints were significantly different in HSG and LSG. The genes identified by ICI scores and various levels included CA2 and TSPAN1. Conclusion The identification of ICI subtypes and ICI scores will help gain insights into the heterogeneity in LCC and RCC, and identify patients probably benefiting from treatments. ICI scores and the key genes could serve as an effective biomarker to predict prognosis and the sensitivity of immunotherapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00262-021-03076-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Nan Guo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, People's Republic of China
| | - Du Chen
- The First Department of Oncological Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xiangtan City, Xiangtan, 411100, People's Republic of China
| | - Shen-Hui Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Rong Huang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Xuan Song
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Yu Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin-Bin Cui
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan-Long Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Taank Y, Agnihotri N. Understanding the regulation of β-catenin expression and activity in colorectal cancer carcinogenesis: beyond destruction complex. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 23:2448-2459. [PMID: 34426910 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02686-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling is central to colorectal cancer carcinogenesis. The well-known potential of targeting the canonical Wnt signaling pathway for the treatment of CRC is largely attributed to the ability of this pathway to regulate various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, immune response, apoptosis, and cellular metabolism. However, with the current approach of targeting this pathway, none of the Wnt-targeted agents have been successfully implicated in clinical practice. Instead of using classical approaches to target this pathway, there is a growing need to find new and modified approaches to achieve the same. For this, a better understanding of the regulation of β-catenin, a major effector of the canonical Wnt pathway is a must. The present review addresses the importance of understanding the regulation of β-catenin beyond the destruction complex. Few recently discovered β-catenin regulators such as ZNF281, TTPAL, AGR2, ARHGAP25, TREM2, and TIPE1 showed significant potential in regulating the development of CRC through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Although the expression and activity of β-catenin is influenced by many protein regulators, the abovementioned proteins not only influence its expression and activation but are also directly involved in the development of CRC and various other solid tumors. Therefore, we hypothesise that focusing the current research on finding the detailed mechanism of action of these regulators may assist in providing with a better treatment approach or improve the current therapeutic regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Taank
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - N Agnihotri
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lepore Signorile M, Grossi V, Di Franco S, Forte G, Disciglio V, Fasano C, Sanese P, De Marco K, Susca FC, Mangiapane LR, Nicotra A, Di Carlo G, Dituri F, Giannelli G, Ingravallo G, Canettieri G, Stassi G, Simone C. Pharmacological targeting of the novel β-catenin chromatin-associated kinase p38α in colorectal cancer stem cell tumorspheres and organoids. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:316. [PMID: 33767160 PMCID: PMC7994846 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03572-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The prognosis of locally advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently unsatisfactory. This is mainly due to drug resistance, recurrence, and subsequent metastatic dissemination, which are sustained by the cancer stem cell (CSC) population. The main driver of the CSC gene expression program is Wnt signaling, and previous reports indicate that Wnt3a can activate p38 MAPK. Besides, p38 was shown to feed into the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here we show that patient-derived locally advanced CRC stem cells (CRC-SCs) are characterized by increased expression of p38α and are "addicted" to its kinase activity. Of note, we found that stage III CRC patients with high p38α levels display reduced disease-free and progression-free survival. Extensive molecular analysis in patient-derived CRC-SC tumorspheres and APCMin/+ mice intestinal organoids revealed that p38α acts as a β-catenin chromatin-associated kinase required for the regulation of a signaling platform involved in tumor proliferation, metastatic dissemination, and chemoresistance in these CRC model systems. In particular, the p38α kinase inhibitor ralimetinib, which has already entered clinical trials, promoted sensitization of patient-derived CRC-SCs to chemotherapeutic agents commonly used for CRC treatment and showed a synthetic lethality effect when used in combination with the MEK1 inhibitor trametinib. Taken together, these results suggest that p38α may be targeted in CSCs to devise new personalized CRC treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lepore Signorile
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Valentina Grossi
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy.
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Cellular & Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical & Oncological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanna Forte
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Vittoria Disciglio
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Candida Fasano
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Paola Sanese
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Katia De Marco
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Francesco Claudio Susca
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Rosa Mangiapane
- Cellular & Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical & Oncological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nicotra
- Cellular & Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical & Oncological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Carlo
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Operating Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Dituri
- Personalized Medicine, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Personalized Medicine, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Operating Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Cellular & Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical & Oncological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristiano Simone
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS 'S. de Bellis' Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy.
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martisova A, Sommerova L, Kuricova K, Podhorec J, Vojtesek B, Kankova K, Hrstka R. AGR2 silencing contributes to metformin-dependent sensitization of colorectal cancer cells to chemotherapy. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:4964-4973. [PMID: 31612008 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing epidemiological evidence indicating an association between diabetes mellitus and the increased incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). The preferred initial and most widely used pharmacological agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes is metformin, which in parallel reduces the risk of CRC and improves patient prognosis. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) appears to be tightly associated with the beneficial metabolic effects of metformin, serving as a cellular energy sensor activated in response to a variety of conditions that deplete cellular energy levels. Such conditions include nutrient starvation (particularly glucose), hypoxia and exposure to toxins that inhibit the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of metformin on CRC cell lines, with different levels of anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) expression, exposed to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin, alone or in combination with metformin. AGR2 has recently emerged as a factor involved in colon carcinogenesis. In AGR2-knockout cells, markedly higher levels of phosphorylated-AMPK were observed in comparison with control cells transfected with GFP-scrambled guide RNA, which indicated that the presence of AGR2 may interfere with the metformin-dependent activation of AMPK. In addition, metformin in combination with 5-FU and oxaliplatin induced ROS production and attenuated autophagy. This effect was enhanced in AGR2-knockout cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Martisova
- Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Sommerova
- Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Kuricova
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Podhorec
- Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Borivoj Vojtesek
- Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Kankova
- Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Hrstka
- Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Madia F, Worth A, Whelan M, Corvi R. Carcinogenicity assessment: Addressing the challenges of cancer and chemicals in the environment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 128:417-429. [PMID: 31078876 PMCID: PMC6520474 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a key public health concern, being the second leading cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality after cardiovascular diseases. At the global level, cancer prevalence, incidence and mortality rates are increasing. These trends are not fully explained by a growing and ageing population: with marked regional and socioeconomic disparities, lifestyle factors, the resources dedicated to preventive medicine, and the occupational and environmental control of hazardous chemicals all playing a role. While it is difficult to establish the contribution of chemical exposure to the societal burden of cancer, a number of measures can be taken to better assess the carcinogenic properties of chemicals and manage their risks. This paper discusses how these measures can be informed not only by the traditional data streams of regulatory toxicology, but also by using new toxicological assessment methods, along with indicators of public health status based on biomonitoring. These diverse evidence streams have the potential to form the basis of an integrated and more effective approach to cancer prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Madia
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
| | - Andrew Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Maurice Whelan
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Raffaella Corvi
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhou S, Li Y, Lu J, Chen C, Wang W, Wang L, Zhang Z, Dong Z, Tang F. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 3 (NRF3) is low expressed in colorectal cancer and its down-regulation promotes colorectal cancer malignance through activating EGFR and p38/MAPK. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:511-528. [PMID: 30949407 PMCID: PMC6448064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 3 (NRF3), a nuclear transcription factor, has been implicated in various cellular processes including carcinogenesis. However, mechanisms underlying its regulation in carcinogenesis are unclear. Herein, we found that NRF3 is lowly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and cells, and NRF3 low-expressions in CRC tissue samples are associated with CRC carcinogenesis and poor patient outcomes. Nrf3-knockdown increased CRC cell growth, colony formation, and cell motility and invasion, and Nrf3-knockin dramatically decreased CRC cell growth and colony formation. Mechanistically, NRF3 increased CRC cell apoptosis and arrested cell G2/M stage. NRF3 was found to be reversely with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p38. Strikingly, Nrf3-knockin dramatically decreased phosphorylated-EGFR at Tyrosine845 (pEGFR Tyr845) and phosphorylated-p38 at Threonine180/Tyrosine182 (p-p38 Thr180/Tyr182) expressions, and Nrf3-knockdown increased pEGFR Tyr845 and p-p38 Thr180/Tyr182. Moreover, NRF3 regulated EGFR and p38 down-stream molecules, protein kinase B (AKT), activating transcription factor (ATF) 2, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expressions. NRF3 loss-increased CRC growth through EGFR and p38 was confirmed in nude mice. Collectively, NRF3-loss in CRC cell increases EGFR and p38 phosphorylation activation, enhances cell proliferation and decreases cell apoptosis, and finally promotes CRC malignance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhuhai Hospital, Jinan UniversityZhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha 410013, China
| | - Yuejin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha 410013, China
| | - Jinping Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhuhai Hospital, Jinan UniversityZhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Chan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhuhai Hospital, Jinan UniversityZhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha 410013, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Changsha Central HospitalChangsha 410013, China
| | - Zhenlin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhuhai Hospital, Jinan UniversityZhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota801 16 Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Faqing Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhuhai Hospital, Jinan UniversityZhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha 410013, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mokarram P, Albokashy M, Zarghooni M, Moosavi MA, Sepehri Z, Chen QM, Hudecki A, Sargazi A, Alizadeh J, Moghadam AR, Hashemi M, Movassagh H, Klonisch T, Owji AA, Łos MJ, Ghavami S. New frontiers in the treatment of colorectal cancer: Autophagy and the unfolded protein response as promising targets. Autophagy 2017; 13:781-819. [PMID: 28358273 PMCID: PMC5446063 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2017.1290751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), despite numerous therapeutic and screening attempts, still remains a major life-threatening malignancy. CRC etiology entails both genetic and environmental factors. Macroautophagy/autophagy and the unfolded protein response (UPR) are fundamental mechanisms involved in the regulation of cellular responses to environmental and genetic stresses. Both pathways are interconnected and regulate cellular responses to apoptotic stimuli. In this review, we address the epidemiology and risk factors of CRC, including genetic mutations leading to the occurrence of the disease. Next, we discuss mutations of genes related to autophagy and the UPR in CRC. Then, we discuss how autophagy and the UPR are involved in the regulation of CRC and how they associate with obesity and inflammatory responses in CRC. Finally, we provide perspectives for the modulation of autophagy and the UPR as new therapeutic options for CRC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pooneh Mokarram
- a Colorectal Research Center and Department of Biochemistry , School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Mohammed Albokashy
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | - Maryam Zarghooni
- c Zabol University of Medical Sciences , Zabol , Iran.,d University of Toronto Alumni , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Mohammad Amin Moosavi
- e Department of Molecular Medicine , Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Tehran , Iran
| | - Zahra Sepehri
- c Zabol University of Medical Sciences , Zabol , Iran
| | - Qi Min Chen
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | | | | | - Javad Alizadeh
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | - Adel Rezaei Moghadam
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | - Mohammad Hashemi
- g Department of Clinical Biochemistry , School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
| | - Hesam Movassagh
- h Department of Immunology , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | - Thomas Klonisch
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada
| | - Ali Akbar Owji
- i Department of Clinical Biochemistry , School of Medicine, Shiraz Medical University , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Marek J Łos
- j Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology , Jagiellonian University , Krakow , Poland ; LinkoCare Life Sciences AB , Sweden
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science , Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , MB , Canada.,k Health Policy Research Center , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Grossi V, Peserico A, Tezil T, Simone C. p38α MAPK pathway: A key factor in colorectal cancer therapy and chemoresistance. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:9744-9758. [PMID: 25110412 PMCID: PMC4123363 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i29.9744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most common malignancies in the world. Although surgical resection combined with adjuvant therapy is effective at the early stages of the disease, resistance to conventional therapies is frequently observed in advanced stages, where treatments become ineffective. Resistance to cisplatin, irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy has been shown to involve mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and recent studies identified p38α MAPK as a mediator of resistance to various agents in CRC patients. Studies published in the last decade showed a dual role for the p38α pathway in mammals. Its role as a negative regulator of proliferation has been reported in both normal (including cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, fibroblasts, hematopoietic and lung cells) and cancer cells (colon, prostate, breast, lung tumor cells). This function is mediated by the negative regulation of cell cycle progression and the transduction of some apoptotic stimuli. However, despite its anti-proliferative and tumor suppressor activity in some tissues, the p38α pathway may also acquire an oncogenic role involving cancer related-processes such as cell metabolism, invasion, inflammation and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the predominant role of the p38α MAPK pathway in CRC development and chemoresistance. In our view, this might help establish the therapeutic potential of the targeted manipulation of this pathway in clinical settings.
Collapse
|